Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News Magazine
PMPN Article Index

Originally Published January 1999

PRODUCT UPDATE

Fast, Flexible Thermoformers

Thermoforming machines work at high speed to create a variety of package structures.

Thermoforming offers flexibility to the packaging engineer, as one machine often can produce many kinds of packaging in small or large batches. Computer controls allow for such variables as package design, temperature, and speed, while easy changeover means one machine can produce more than one type of package. One strength of thermoformers is their ability to form both simple and complex packages.

A variety of products and materials can be processed by one thermoform packaging machine. In addition to packaging vials, ampules, syringes, and bottles, the MB 960 can package a conventional blister to a forming depth of 20 mm. Designed without support columns, the arm-type operating station eliminates the possibility of contamination of the work area. The MB 960 is designed for quick, tool-free changeover. It has an infeed area of 1.2 m. MG America, Fairfield, NJ.

Operating at speeds of up to 400 packs per minute, a blister thermoforming machine features a drive system without mechanical drive units. Touch screen control provides constant access to production parameters, including drive-reduction ratios, temperature settings, speed, and web-indexing control. Product changeovers are accomplished with a plug-in module. The TLT 1400 separates the drive chamber, production area, and filling zone, and has a footprint length of less than 15 ft. TL Systems/Bosch Group, Minneapolis, MN.

Packaging machinery is designed for speed and flexibility. The Sureflow Model 8000 form-fill-seal machine contains a programmable logic controller with the ability to store parameters for almost 100 different packages. It produces packages at rates faster than 30 cycles per minute. Hinged tooling provides fast and reliable tool changeovers. Mahaffy & Harder Engineering Company, Inc., Fairfield, NJ.

Featuring high-volume packaging at speeds up to 600 in. per minute (30 cycles per minute), an automated machine packages thermoform products. The form-fill-seal machine features quick-change tooling, touch screen controls, and a servomotor drive. The machine draws depths down to 5 in. and accommodates web widths from 8 to 21 in., changeable on-line. The sealing mechanism and web-tension control improve seal quality while reducing waste. Doyen Medipharm Inc., Morris Plains, NJ.

Designed to package a wide range of products and shapes, a form-fill-seal thermoformer is ideal for small-batch packaging or high-speed production. The mobile machine can be incorporated into a full-line system. It contains a brush box, a specialized feed system for medical devices, and a dedicated feeder for tablets or capsules. Forming and sealing tools can be changed in less than five minutes. Klöckner Medipak, Clearwater, FL.

A form-fill-seal vacuum packaging machine is designed for versatility. Two complete die sets can be mounted on the model R 330. The die lifting systems are self-contained to withstand high operating pressures. The packaging machine is equipped with the modular MC96 microprocessor control. The company offers a range of stainless steel rollstock machines. Multivac Inc., Kansas City, MO.

A high-speed thermoformer can produce up to 600 blister packs per minute. The USP 1040 offers intermittent motion, platen forming, and sealing and can be monitored, controlled, and changed over with the push of a button. The Pacmation communication system constantly sends information back and forth among the production line, its operator, and integrated networks. Uhlmann Packaging Systems Inc., Towaco, NJ.

A company offers custom thermoforming design. Specialties include in-house tooling for mechanical dies, undercuts (up to 3/8 in.), deep draws, hot-knife die-cuts, and light-gauge custom packaging. The company provides inspection of products and guarantees quality standards. A variety of material choices are offered. New Age Plastics Inc., San Jose, CA.

An air-permeable aluminum mold-making material offers manufacturers expanded design flexibility and reduced costs. Metapor thermoforming material is naturally porous, which provides an even distribution of air and eliminates the need for drilling. The material has expanded vacuum-forming capabilities for shapes, enabling the manufacturer to create products previously available only through injection molding. It can be cut faster than standard aluminum, and works with male or female molds, rapid prototyping, and bottom inserts. It is available in 500-mm square slabs, with thicknesses from 10 to 360 mm. Portec, Studio City, CA.

Providing low-cost tooling and fast prototyping, a custom plastic processing company specializes in thermoforming, rotational molding, and pressure forming. The company handles a variety of complex products in large or small quantities. It offers CNC machine capabilities and assembly, finishing, and custom packaging. Gemini Inc., Cannon Falls, MN.